• Cautions against frequent change of service chiefs
• Canada pledges support for ICC amid U.S. pressure on court

Members of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has called for a review of Nigeria’s continued membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC), while cautioning against the frequent replacement of service chiefs in the face of the country’s security challenges.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, made the call during an interview on TVC News yesterday, where he assessed the country’s security situation and the efforts of the Armed Forces in tackling terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.

The lawmaker argued that frequent changes in the military’s top command could disrupt operational momentum and allow terrorists and other criminal elements to regroup and exploit transitional periods.

He said the Armed Forces had recorded appreciable successes in the fight against insecurity and should therefore be given sustained support instead of being subjected to recurring calls for the removal of service chiefs whenever attacks occur.

Agbese, a member of the Labour Party, acknowledged the responsibility of opposition parties to hold the government accountable and demand improved governance, but stressed that national security should not become a partisan issue.

He urged citizens to exercise caution before circulating unverified reports, warning that misleading information could undermine public confidence in security agencies and potentially affect ongoing operations.

The lawmaker further advocated stronger international collaboration in intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism operations, particularly in dealing with insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.

On international justice, Agbese called for a critical review of Nigeria’s membership of the International Criminal Court.

He argued that the country should reassess whether its continued participation in the ICC remained consistent with its national security interests, particularly given the nature and scale of the threats confronting Nigeria.

According to him, terrorist organisations accused of atrocities against civilians often operate outside the framework of international humanitarian law, while there have been concerns over possible international scrutiny of Nigerian troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations.

Agbese’s position comes amid continuing public debate over the performance of Nigeria’s security architecture and the appropriate response to persistent attacks by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.

While some Nigerians have called for changes in military leadership whenever security incidents occur, Agbese argued that continuity and institutional stability were essential to sustaining counter-terrorism operations.

He said newly appointed commanders required time to understand operational theatres, establish command structures and implement their strategies, making abrupt changes potentially disruptive during critical periods.

MEANWHILE, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reaffirmed his country’s support for the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying Ottawa would continue backing the institution despite US efforts to pressure allies to withdraw their membership and funding.

Asked whether his government was doing enough to defend the ICC and why he had not spoken publicly about a Canadian judge facing US sanctions, Carney said Canada’s support for the court remained firm.

Carney said the ICC played an increasingly important role as global instability grew.

Regarding the Canadian judge under US sanctions, Carney said Ottawa “will provide support as needed,” and pledged to work with US officials on a “variety of issues to work to achieve results.”

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised the ICC, particularly after the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over allegations related to the Gaza war.